Small Molecule Modulator of the mTORC2 Pathway Discovered from a DEL Library Designed to Bind to Pleckstrin Homology Domains.

Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains are structural motifs critical for cellular processes, such as signal transduction and cytoskeletal organization. Due to their involvement in various diseases, PH domains are promising therapeutic targets, yet their highly charged and hydrophobic binding sites are not ideal for traditional small drugs. In this study, we designed a DNA-encoded library (DEL) mimicking phospholipids to identify novel modulators targeting PH domains with uncharted chemical properties.

Cryo-EM architecture of a near-native stretch-sensitive membrane microdomain.

Biological membranes are partitioned into functional zones termed membrane microdomains, which contain specific lipids and proteins. The composition and organization of membrane microdomains remain controversial because few techniques are available that allow the visualization of lipids in situ without disrupting their native behaviour. The yeast eisosome, composed of the BAR-domain proteins Pil1 and Lsp1 (hereafter, Pil1/Lsp1), scaffolds a membrane compartment that senses and responds to mechanical stress by flattening and releasing sequestered factors.